About Us

Message from the Director

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the OISS (Office of International Students and Scholars) family. USD hosts international students and scholars from more than 70 countries around the world. We are delighted that you are joining this group of distinguished students and scholars, and we hope that your experiences here will prove intellectually challenging, culturally enriching, and personally enjoyable to you, whether you stay only for a few weeks, or several years.

I am so happy that you have made the decision to come to USD. You are about to embark on one of the greatest journeys of your life, one that will shape and define the rest of your life. This is both exciting yet also fraught with responsibilities. You have an opportunity that many others, back in your home country and here in the US, do not have. I hope you make the most of this incredible prospect presented to you.

You are contributing to make USD into the global learning institution that it has become. Your culture and life experiences are transforming our campus; in turn, you have the opportunity to deepen your own understanding by becoming a full participant in every aspect of life here at USD.

We at OISS want to be a part of your success here at USD. We invite you to learn more about our social and educational programs and services. You will find out that we do much more than regulatory and visa issues; in fact, our advising services and our cultural programming can provide you with the support that you need to achieve academic and personal success. Please visit us often, let us know how we can help you, and find the support that you need to make your time here productive and fun. We hope that you will allow us to make OISS your home away from home.